NEWS HEADLINES

By Kristen Tribe | Published Wednesday, October 17, 2012Tags: Wise County

Campaign season is drawing to a close, and now it’s time for voters to make their mark.

Early voting for the Nov. 6 general election begins Monday, Oct. 22, and runs through Friday, Nov. 2.

Wise County voters can cast their ballots 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at any one of these three early voting locations:

Decatur Civic Center, 2010 W. U.S. Hwy 380

Bridgeport Law Enforcement Center, 1000 Thompson St.

Rhome City Hall, 105 1st St.

These locations will have extended hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 23 and 30, and the Decatur Wal-Mart will also host a day of early voting, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Wise County Elections Administrator Lannie Noble said there have been no changes in the requirements for what is needed to vote.

“You can use a driver’s license to vote, but it is not required,” he said. “A voter certificate is sufficient.”

Voters may fill out this sample ballot and take it with them to the polls to use as a guide when they vote electronically. It should be noted that they are not allowed to share that sample ballot with other voters while in the polling place.

Requests for ballots by mail must be received in the elections administrator’s office by Tuesday, Oct. 30. Those requesting ballots by mail must be over 65 or disabled, in jail, or expect to be out of the county throughout the early voting period and on Election Day. To download an application for ballot by mail, visit www.co.wise.tx.us and click on the election icon on the left side of the page.

Whether voting early, by mail or waiting until Election Day, the presidential race between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama is of primary concern for many voters. But there are also a few local races to note.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 61

Republican Rep. Phil King is running for re-election, and although he didn’t draw a Democratic candidate, a Decatur young man, Matthew Britt, 21, is running as the Green Party candidate.

COUNTY SURVEYOR

Davey Edwards is on the ballot as the Republican candidate for county surveyor. The office has not been filled in more than 40 years, and he doesn’t have an opponent.

However, in an unusual twist, a proposition abolishing the office of county surveyor is also on the ballot. Voters have the opportunity to vote for or against abolishing the post.

If the proposition is approved, there will be no county surveyor position, no matter how many votes Edwards receives. If the proposition is not approved, Edwards will be elected to the position as long as he receives at least one vote.

OTHER COUNTY ELECTIONS

County races on the ballot, but featuring only a single candidate include judge for County Court-at-Law No. 2, county attorney, sheriff, county tax assessor-collector, Precinct 1 county commissioner, Precinct 3 county commissioner and constables in all four precincts.

District Attorney Greg Lowery is the only candidate on the ballot for his position in the 271st Judicial District.

Northwest ISD has a bond election on the ballot for those who live within its boundaries. NISD will also field votes in Denton and Tarrant Counties on the $255 million proposal.

The City of Paradise has a city council election on the Nov. 6 ballot as well. Only one of the three races is contested, but voters who live within the city limits will see all three contests on their ballot.

If you have questions about the election or voting procedures, call the Wise County election administrator’s office at (940) 626-4453 or drop by the office at 1555 West Business 380, Suite 1, in Decatur.

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